EXTEND YOUR DOG’S LIFESome studies show that dogs which maintain their ideal body weight live longer and that they are also less prone to diseases.

DENIAL IS A BIG PROBLEM

Many owners of overweight dogs are totally in denial when it comes to their dog’s weight. A veterinarian can easily see the difference, but their advice often falls on deaf ears. The argument that ‘they’re not overfed’ is also not valid if they don’t exercise. If they don’t burn off energy, it turns into excess body weight.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

The simple recipe is this: Eat less and exercise more. If your dog doesn’t suffer from a disease that causes weight gain, the solution is simple. For this advice to work you both need to make lifestyle changes. Exercising together benefits everyone, so think about the positives and make time in your schedule to help your dog achieve a healthy weight.

STEPS TO REACH YOUR GOAL

Step 1: Make sure there isn’t another reason your dog is gaining weight, for example, Diabetes, Cushing’s Disease or Hypothyroidism. No? Then see Step 2.

Step 2: Help your dog reach his ideal weight.

Step 3: Make sure your dog keeps the weight off

CALCULATING CALORIES

You can use an online calculator to work out how much calories your dog should consume to start losing weight safely. Check the numbers with your vet or an animal nutritionist. Details such as the dog’s age and exercise routine will play a role as well.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T RELY ON DOG FOOD LABELS

These numbers are not designed for weight loss. Speak to your vet about a custom weight loss plan that you can understand and stick to.

DON’T DO THIS

Free choice feeding (always having food around) is not an option if your dog is overweight.

DO THIS

Take the daily intake recommended for weight loss and divide it into two or four portions and feed accordingly. Many owners’ schedules won’t allow this option, so they should consider a specifically timed automatic feeder or ask a neighbour or arrange a pet sitter to pop in for feedings.

GUESSING IS DANGEROUS SO MEASURE AWAY

Use the right dog food measuring cups obtained from your vet or reputable pet stores. Weighing food is another option.

NOT ALL WEIGHT LOSS FOOD CAN HELP YOUR CAUSE

Words such as “lite” or “diet” should NOT encourage you to blindly invest in a product. Low calorie foods might use unhealthy fillers (for example carbohydrates) that only make your dog feel full for a little while. You don’t want your dog to be hungry all the time or beg for food every chance he gets.

LESS OF THE REGULAR COULD EQUAL SAD EYES

Simply reducing their regular food (the stuff you’ve always been giving) doesn’t always work. The calories might be less, but your dog is bound to throw a set of sad eyes your way after every meal (or worse, while you are eating).

WHICH WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS CAN BE TRUSTED?

As you can imagine, quality is important. A high protein contents (above average) is essential while the fat count should be below average. The calorie count should also be below average.

The following numbers are recommended by a dog food advisor:

More protein = increased satisfaction and less muscle loss = less sad doggy eyes = and less guilt for you. Lower calories = more food, while also shaking off grams and eventually kilos.

Some people combine kibble and canned food to make it more appealing. Just make sure you get the calorie combination right. Canned food on its own isn’t a bad option either as it often has more protein, less carbs as well as fewer calories when compared to the same recommended portion of kibble.

You can also speak to your vet about combining quality dog food with home-cooked food, but this may be time-consuming.

EXERCISE: ANOTHER HUGE ‘MUST-DO’

If you don’t exercise regularly, chances are your dog doesn’t get a workout either. There are so, so many benefits for humans and many of these will apply to your dog as well. If you don’t enjoy walking, running or hiking, consider playing fetch, swimming or playing with a bat and ball in the backyard. A minimum of 30 minutes a day will really make a difference.

CHECK THOSE NUMBERS

You won’t know how you’re doing if you’re not comparing data. Weighing weekly is important and be sure to compare the numbers with healthy weight loss (1% to 2% per week of their weight). Not happy with the results? Try to gradually reduce the calorie intake even more.

IMPORTANT

Be vigilant. There might be someone in the household sneaking any form of extra food.

HAVE YOU REACHED YOUR GOAL?

Great! You may be able to offer a slight increase in food. Just don’t overdo it and don’t stop checking those numbers. Any changes should be addressed with the proper adjustments.

*Any and all content on PetlifeSA’s website, social media and other platforms are for educational purposes only and should not be viewed or used as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your pet is experiencing any health issues, please consult a veterinarian professional immediately. Read More